How should I revise quotes for the exam?

Getting enough quotes memorised for the exam always seems like a huge task, but it's helpful to view quote-learning as similar to learning a language (but easier!): little and often is essentially the way forward. I've always found it helpful to record myself reading out quotes and then to listen to the recording whenever I have time - on the bus, on a walk, or before bed are good moments. The benefit of this is that it both brings out the aural qualities of the quotes - which will help you make points in the exam - and sinks the quotes into your memory so that you'll really know the rhythm of how each quote should sound, to avoid minor mistakes which might undermine your arguments. The bulk of the learning can be done on memrise (online or on the app, both are free) or with flashcards, that you should both go through yourself and stick up around the house if you're a visual learner. Using short, pithy quotes is crucial, and practicing different essays and essay plans with quotes will both help you to memorise them and reassure you that you've chosen the richest quotes for your ideas. Everyone works differently, but trying all of these techniques fairly early (and dropping some if they're not working for you) should make sure you get the most out of your memory - and the texts - in the exam itself!

JB
Answered by Jessica B. English tutor

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